A picture-perfect retirement
Finding a retirement home can be as exciting as any other home you buy in your life. We know many retirees are searching for that perfect, easy access, easy living life by the beach so here’s our tips (and some inspo) for finding your perfect next home!
When approaching retirement, or settling into retirement after the first few months, you'll probably want to find a new property. You may wish to move out of a city you've worked in for many years, move closer to family, move to the coast, or just invest in a property that will serve your interests better now that you're retired. It's not an easy search, but you can make it easier with the right approach…
Tips for Finding a Retirement Property
These are some of the most important strategies for finding the perfect place for you:
1. Work with an estate agent.
First things first: unless you're an expert in matching homes, you'll want to work with an agent. An agent will be able to help you understand your main goals, narrow down the field to only properties that meet your requirements, and help you make the best investment for your money. The process will be simpler, faster, and easier to understand.
2. Identify your goals.
Before you begin your search, it helps to know exactly what your main goals are. Are you looking to be somewhere closer to your family? Is it important to be within walking distance of certain amenities? Are you just trying to find your "dream" retirement house, and if so, what features will qualify it as such?
3. Know whether to buy or rent.
The question of whether to buy or rent is an important one for new retirees. The idea that buying is inherently better than renting is hardwired into our culture, and if you've been a homeowner for a long time, you may be resistant to the idea of renting your next home. However, renting may be financially advantageous to you, and it shouldn't be ignored as an option. It may also be beneficial to have a landlord responsible for ongoing repairs and maintenance.
4. Focus on low-maintenance housing.
You may feel spry and capable now, but if you're going to live in this house for years to come, you'll want to minimise the amount of work and maintenance you're going to do. For the most part, newer homes will need fewer repairs and work done to them than older homes, so focus on housing that was built within the past decade or so.
5. Consider downsizing.
Now that you're retired and your children have long since moved out, you probably won't need as big of a place as you used to. Depending on your personal preferences, you may like the idea of a bigger home, but a smaller one will be more manageable. Take a look at a wide range of different options and think about how you would use each room on a daily basis.
6. Focus on long-term living.
Most retirees aren't going to jump from house to house, moving every few years. As you get older, moving is going to become more difficult and less necessary, so take your time focusing on finding a home that you could see yourself living in the rest of your life. That means taking a longer time evaluating every property you come across and thinking about your needs years, or even decades down the road.
Getting Started
Buying a home in retirement is a major decision, and it can be intimidating to get the process started. The first thing you should do is find an agent that you trust; they'll be able to guide you in the right direction, helping you discover your core criteria, and giving you some initial choices that may guide the rest of your search. You won't stumble upon the perfect property overnight, but with enough time and patience, you'll eventually find what you need.
In the meantime, you can check out some properties we believe work well as retirement properties not far from the relaxing slow pace life of the beach…
Elizabeth Court is a new development with gated access, security, lifts, phone entry system, and only a throw from the beach and other amenities! With the brand new, high spec finish, there’s very little maintenance, sea views and 1,2 & 3 bedroom apartments available to buy with a 10 year warranty.
STUNNING! That sums up the architectural design and space on offer with these beautifully equipped and well-planned apartments close to Palm Bay, brought to the market by Future Homes UK. 10 year new build warranty meaning low/no repair costs & low energy costs and of course quality fitted appliances. Buy your furniture, move in and put your feet up in your open plan living space or on the balcony with your favourite tipple! Lift to all floors available, as well as phone entry system and communal gardens.
This bungalow has no stairs to climb to access its fantastic benefits. There’s an easy to maintain garden, beautiful conservatory to soak up the sunshine, with good access to the coast.
This beautiful, spacious home resides on the ground floor of a beautiful building right on the beach. As it’s on the ground floor, there’s no stairs to climb, the home has been kitted out to a high spec with little maintenance. There are direct sea & beach views, a video entry phone, a kitchen with integrated appliances, and a master bedroom with large en-suite shower room and walk in wardrobe/dressing room.
Interested in any of these homes or want help finding your perfect retirement dream? Get in touch with your nearest branch!
Or you can also find out the current value of your home by clicking HERE.